Damascus: Syria's Health Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Program to rehabilitate five hospitals across the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement, funded by the German government, aims to restore infrastructure and operational capacity at several public hospitals. The memorandum was signed at the Health Ministry's headquarters in Damascus.

The agreement covers the rehabilitation, renovation, and equipping of hospitals in Jisr al-Shughour in Idlib province, Halfaya in Hama, Taldu in Homs, the National Hospital in al-Bukamal in the Deir el-Zour countryside, and the National Hospital in Daraa. This initiative is crucial as Syria's health care system continues to struggle after years of deterioration caused by the war that lasted from 2011 to 2024.

Forces loyal to the former Bashar al-Assad regime had targeted hospitals, forcing many out of service, while medical workers were arrested or killed. This led to an exodus of doctors and nurses from the country, resulting in a sharp decline in health services.

Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December 2024, ending the Baath Party's regime, which had been in power since 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa was formed in January 2025.